Researchers: We recommend wearing masks outside. All because of a certain discovery

Protective masks are still valid in closed spaces. Unfortunately, the reality shows that fewer and fewer Poles remember it. Meanwhile, wearing masks is more important today than ever. All because of the more infectious Delta mutation. Scientists from India have just added another piece to the puzzle. In their opinion, we should also cover our mouth and nose in the open air, especially when the wind blows. What happens to the virus then has been shown by their experiments.

1. In Poland, wearing masks in confined spaces is mandatory, we do not have to do it outdoors, as long as it is possible to keep a distance
2. Researchers in India have investigated how the coronavirus behaves in the open air and when the wind blows
3. Researchers found that even during light winds, the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection increases and thus the safe distance is extended.
4. More information can be found on the Onet homepage.

The role of masks is growing. Thanks to the Delta variant

We know that the Delta variant of the coronavirus is not only more contagious, but is also spreading rapidly. We also know that he is responsible for 100 percent. COVID-19 infections in Poland. Considering the above, the use of face masks has become more important than ever. In an interview with MedTvoiLokony, the specialist in infectious diseases, Dr. Lidia Stopyra recently spoke about it (the whole interview: The role of masks is increasing. Infectious agent: the situation has changed. What does it mean?).

– In the earlier variants, we talked about the need to keep a distance of 1,5 – 2 meters. We considered this distance to be safe. Especially when it comes to people who may have had COVID-19 asymptomatically (so without sneezing, without coughing, etc.) (…) Now, the infection can occur without close, direct contact with the sick person – it is enough to enter the room where the infected person previously stayed without a mask. If we are not vaccinated, infection is almost certain in this situation – said the specialist, noting that the risk is greater the smaller or tighter the interior we are in.

These words refer to confined spaces, in which, let us remind you, covering the mouth and nose is obligatory. Currently, we don’t need to use masks in the open air (as long as we can keep a 2-meter distance), and we all remember how relieved everyone was from this change. But are we safe then? Research by Indian scientists from the Mumbai Institute of Technology has shed new light on this issue. Their experiments showed what happens with SARS-CoV-2 in windy weather.

How does the coronavirus behave when the wind blows? The discovery of scientists

Researchers from Mumbai analyzed how the coronavirus, emitted when a patient coughs, behaves in the open air. Their discovery was described in the academic journal “Physics of Fluids”.

Researchers note that most studies model the flow of cough, including with a simple pulse profile. Meanwhile, a real cough is more complicated – the expelled air creates a kind of mini-vortex. It was decided to take a look at them. The experiment used a simulation of large vortices, and the cough streams were tested both in windy conditions, reflecting the external environment, and in calm, typical for closed rooms.

The rest of the article under the video:

It turned out that due to the vortices, larger drops containing the pathogen stay in the air longer than previously assumedwhich means that the time needed to properly “dilute” it in the air is also longer. In other words, larger infected droplets become trapped in the swirls of the stream, rather than settling relatively quickly to the ground under the influence of gravity.

The second important observation – Scientists have found that when a person outside coughs, wind blowing in the same direction can spread the pathogen more quickly than in quiet conditions. This has an impact on the effectiveness of social distance. Simulations have shown that even a light wind with a speed of approx. 8 km per hour extends the effective social distance by approx. 20%, i.e. to approx. 1 – 2,2 m depending on the strength of the cough.

«We recommend wearing masks outdoors, especially when there is wind»

– Research is significant because it shows an increased risk of infection that can be caused by coughing in the same direction as the wind blowing. Overall, the study highlights an increased risk of infection in the presence of even a slight breeze, concludes the researcher Prof. Amit Agrawal. “We recommend wearing masks outside, especially in windy weather,” he adds.

Scientists also recall other rules to limit coronavirus transmission during outdoor social gatherings. This includes coughing your elbow or turning your face away when you sneeze.

To all those who still doubt the effectiveness of the masks, we would like to remind you of the words of Dr. Lidia Stopyra: – When we examined outbreaks of infection with the earlier variants, we saw that where people wore masks (correctly), no infections were recorded. This was even the case when these people stayed together for a long time. Infections arose where this requirement was neglected or, for example, masks were removed to eat together. The effectiveness of the masks has also been shown by studies at our infectious diseases ward. As the risk grew, we had the tests performed immediately. There was a time when we were tested very often. These studies confirmed that single infections occurred where masks were removed.

If you are interested in buying a suitable mask, go to Medonet Market and order the model of your choice.

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2. The main mistake we make in the fight against COVID-19 in Poland. The expert says straight
3. COVID-19 and the flu at the same time? It is possible. Doctor: disastrous consequences

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